- Phil: Actually saw his car up for sale when searching through the classifieds. Noticed the splitter had been sorted
- My car: In terms of what I would sell mine for; £20-21k I think. I have seen two go same as mine for this price in the last two weeks and I know of one SE member who just sold his for little over £20k. That's what got me doing the sums if i'm honest.. It's really strong money for a N/A and with so many foreign buyers you just never know.
- Ferrari plug: I'm not brave or stupid enough don't worry. Wouldn't put that kind of strain on myself financially.
- Cayman: looked at it very seriously. I still am actually, it's a great car! The problem is there is a) a new model out (gen2) and b) I think it will depreciate further still. Could be wrong.... But want something that won't, much.
- 911: much the same reason as above. I thought GT3 or Turbo might hold value better but maybe a bit out of my budget. I'm worried standard 997's (Gen 1) will suffer further depreciation much like the Cayman..... Not ruled either out though!!
- Aston: really sad to hear it's build quality is so poor
From reading forums it really is a hit or a miss. Some people have no problems, some have lots! Gutted as I think i've made up my mind that this would be my first choice. Even had the finance company run a 'promise' for me today so I could move on one tomorrow if I wanted to.- Bentley: Great looking car just a bit out of range for me.
- Costs: I don't want stupid running costs but fully appreciate these brands of cars come with higher than average running costs. Looking at my receipts however and in the last 12 months I have had over £5k of work done to the Exige. I am already planning brake upgrade (£2k?) and I have a 260 roof scoop in my garage ready to be painted (£500?) if I keep it so that total would probably increase if I held onto it. If I bought an Aston (or such like) the costs would just go on consumables instead so i'm half prepared for that. I love adding bits to my car and looking after it, it's definitely my 'thing'!
- Budget for new car: Depends what it is. Cayman £23k, 911 (depending on model) £30-40k and Aston £40k. But for the right car I would probably go higher.
I do love the Exige but yes the build quality, the Edinburgh roads and the fact I have had it for 3 years are the only reasons I have thought about a change - the problem is that change would need to be special enough for me to let the Exige go and a lot of very nice cars I have looked at (M3, Boxster etc) just are not in my opinion. I still get the
factor when I drive the Exige on a great road. It's my fourth Lotus in five years... Maybe I should just get MMC to sound proof, foam, tighten, oil, grease the life out of it and see what happens 
Thanks for the feedback and opinions though guys; really helps to hear!
